What would you do?

Bill H

Well my first post here as I just became a Polk owner.

I just bought 4 RTi38's and a CSi40 Center. I can take one pair of the RTi38's back and get a pair of RTi70's for $282.00 more. What would you do?

My room is 11'3" 33' X 8. Part of it is the dinning room. I have an Onkyo TX-SR500 receiver, but plan to upgrade it in a few months. I have been thinking Denon 2803 or Yamaha RX-V1400 because if I go with a better Onkyo, it will not fit in my stand,(to deep). I like the way the Onkyo sounds, just do not think the 500 has enough power.

I run 2 Sony SA-WM 40 Subs and they do well for movies. I plan on getting an SVS someday (25 31 plus I think).

I'm 80 to 90% movies. The RTi38's do not seem to have enough bass on music. If I bump the bass up on the receiver about 4 to 6 DB, music sounds better. That's with no Subs running. With both Subs, the RTi38's and the CSi40, movies kick butt. Underworld Rocked with 106 DB peaks very easy.

One more question. Do I want to go 6.1 when I get a new receiver? I can also get a CSi30 for $127.00, should I?

I have the pair of CSi70's and a CSi30 set aside for me and I can go pick them up.


Help me decide. What would you do?

Thank You,
Bill

pjdami

Welcome to the Polk Forum. You might get addicted to this place even more than HT Forum. Lot's of great folks in here.

I would get a sub first, then the 70s, and go with the Denon 3803.

Paul

Bill H

Paul,
I have 2 Sony SA-WM40 Subs now and the RTi70's will not be around for long.
Bill

pjdami

Ooops!! I missed that you had two subs. Yeah, I would return a pair of 38s and get the 70s before they are gone.

I used to have the same Onkyo receiver as you and agree that it is underpowered. Based on a lot of positive feedback from folks here on the forum, Denon mates well with the RT lineup. I've been down the Onkyo and Yamaha (RX-V1300) road with the RT lineup and found the sound too bright for my taste.

If I were you, further down the road I would listen to the Denon to see if you like it better than the Onkyo.

Early B.

I'd get the 70's first, since they're getting scarce. Then go for the sub. In addition to SVS, check out Hsu subs. Your choices for a receiver are fine. Go Denon.

Consider getting a pair of speakers for your back surrounds instead of a single center channel. I use 28's.

dorokusai

If you have the space, surely get the RTi70's, they are very well loved around here. I would not worry about the CSi30, they will always be around later, but it would make a great 6.1 choice. Yes, definetly get a 6.1(7.1) AVR, just for the ability to use it in the future. Just my thoughts.

Yes, RTi70's.
No, CSi30, unless you want to spend the money now.
Yes, 6.1 AVR, get the largest Denon AVR that you can afford.

RuSsMaN

My thoughts...

$282 to go from the 38's to the 70's isn't that great a deal. If you REALLY like them, go for it, but I wouldn't.

Anything over 5.1 is a waste of money, I wouldn't do it just to do it. Does your current receiver have any preouts? If so, I'd consider adding separate amps, before spending monies on a newer rec or upgrading your speakers within the same line.

If you DO want a newer rec, get the one you want. If the Onkyo is it, get an amp stand for it, or find a way to make it work. NEVER buy gear on the fact that it 'fits' better somewhere. Buy it because it has the tonal signature and features you are looking for.

If you sold the Sony subs, used the $282 + $127 you appear to have available for the 70's and 30, you are right at, or at least knocking on the door of the SVS you want.

Spend wisely brotha.

Cheers,
Russ

Grimster74

I would definately get the 70's before they are gone. They are deminishing as we speak. You will be extremely pleased with the 70's over the 38's as long as you have the room for the 70's. Another suggestion is if you are planning to go 6.1/7.1 and the $$$ is not an issue is to keep the 38's and go purchase the 70's unless you were planning to go with dipole/bipole for your other set of surrounds. They are many options here it just depends on what you are willing to do.

If I were in your shoes and $$$ was tight or not on hand I would... return the 38's, get the 70's and never look back. With the latest line of receivers coming out in the next couple of months I would then purchase a new receiver, there should be some good deals on last years receivers and maybe even on the latest lines. Then, definately save them penny's for an SVS. You won't regret it. As far as the CSi30 goes, hold off on that until you get the new receiver. That's just my $.02.

setzer808

Welcome aboard. Congrats on buying Polk.

For receivers, buy what you think sounds best. Both the receivers u mentioned are great. I'm a Yamaha man myself

Congrats again on Polkitis...no...there is no cure.

Turbota

I use a set of RTi70s for fronts, a set of RTi38s on 36" stands for rears, and a Rava powered sub. Good combo in my opinion.

It's up to you, but you will find that just replacing the 38s you now have for fronts with 70s will make a world of difference.

Of course, mine is a 2 channel audio only setup. (no center speaker)

Ron,

danger boy

go with the 70's too. lots of people in here have them... they sound great.. put out very decent amount of bass for their size..

good luck

Bill H

Guess I should of said my 38's are 3'4" behind my listening area. If I go 6.1 the rear center will be 8' behind the 38's and on top of the china cabinet. I can not get the 38's beside the listening area because the room is not wide enough and there is a tall window on the left side.

So, how about this. I get the 70's, trade one pair of the 38's for a
pair of FXi30's (I think I can get them). That would give me 7.1 when I get a new receiver. Where can I put the FXi30's seeing how the window is in the way? I can not even put them above the window because it's only 9 1/2 inches from the ceiling.
I could put then 32" in front of my lisiening position or 20" behind. Which way would work better? I then could move the rear 38's to the back wall which would be about 12 feet behind me.

I know I'm driving you all crazy with this. Hell, I'm driving myself crazy!

What would you pick?
1. Front 70's and a CSi40 (about $125.00 more than #2)
FXi30's
38's rear
2. Front 70's and a CSi40
38's 3'4" behind me
CSi30 in back

Bill

danger boy

i like number 1 myself.. it's pretty close to what i have.. i love the sound charatristcs (sp) you get from the bi/di polar 30's. sounds wonderful. I'm thinking either one would work fine.. just that i myself would go with option #1

Grimster74

Option #1. You won't regret it.